Help Articles
Our ever-growing collection of help pages assists you in installing zigfred in a variety of scenarios or when you encounter unexpected issues.
FAQ
In the FAQ, we collect answers to questions that are frequently asked. We hope you find answers to your open questions here. If not, feel free to contact us and help us expand the FAQ.
General
What does the zigfred package include?
zigfred uno and zigfred plus are basic packages, each including the flush-mount module, the basic button module with accessories for one to four buttons, a mounting clip, and the mounting screws. You can find more information in the technical specifications.
I have ideas or suggestions. Where can I submit them?
We gladly welcome suggestions, criticism, and requests. Of course, we cannot implement everything, but we try to make as many user wishes as possible a reality. You can use the contact form at the end of this page or send an email directly to info@zigfred.ch .
Can I order the zigfred outside of Switzerland?
We regularly receive inquiries, especially from Germany, regarding the availability of the switches. With the market launch in October 2021, we are focusing on the Swiss market. There are several reasons for this. Among other things, for markets outside Switzerland, we first need to establish a functional logistics system. Since the mechanical requirements are not exactly the same as in the Swiss market, product adjustments are necessary, for example to the front. And as a small start-up, it is particularly important for us to concentrate our resources. However, it is very important to us to make the products available outside Switzerland as soon as possible. We keep you updated via social media and our newsletter.
Am I allowed to install Zigfred myself?
You must make this determination yourself, as we are not legal professionals and therefore cannot provide an answer. The relevant legal text can be found here (NIV Art. 16 para. 2b). Press sources indicate that, in principle, laypersons may perform tasks such as replacing a light switch in their own homes, provided the circuit is single-phase and protected by a fuse. Please ensure that the circuit is protected by a residual-current device (RCD) for your safety, and have the installation checked by a professional as a precaution. See https://www.beobachter.ch/wohnen/bauen-renovieren/elektroinstallation-so-trifft-sie-nicht-der-schlag .
I have little knowledge of electrical installations. How do I install Zigfred?
Zigfred can be installed as easily as a conventional switch. Your electrician can install it quickly and effortlessly. In the future, we will also offer an installation service that you can book directly through our website.
Do both the Zigfred Uno and the Zigfred Plus work for controlling blinds?
The Zigfred Plus is required for controlling blinds. The Zigfred Uno can control all wireless bulbs and conventional lamps.
Is the Zigfred compatible with all common Smart Home systems, including the RaspBee II?
In general, Zigfred is compatible with Home Assistant and common Zigbee sticks, but it is not possible for us to test all systems. We are, however, confident that it also works with HA ZHA and RaspBee II.
How can I control Zigfred? Only through the Zigfred app?
Since we are developing a completely open system, you have various control options: either via the Zigfred light switch, the Zigfred app, or even your Zigbee gateway’s app, such as the Philips Hue app.
Is it possible to use a light in a two-way switch with Zigfred on one side and a conventional switch on the other?
It is possible to use a light in a two-way switch setup with Zigfred on one side and a conventional switch on the other. However, by using Zigfred exclusively, you gain significantly more flexibility in terms of modularity and function assignment of the individual switches.
Does Zigfred have a function to detect whether the light is on or off?
Yes, the switch has a function to detect whether the light is on or off. You can also see this via the Zigfred app, from which you can easily control your bulbs as well as your blinds.
With the Zigfred Plus, can the position and tilt of the blinds be adjusted? And which blind motors are supported?
With Zigfred, blinds can be controlled and the position (including tilt) can be adjusted. Practically all conventional and electronic (requires neutral wire) blind motors are supported by Zigfred Plus (max. 300W). The various blind motors from Schenker Storen AG have been tested by us.
Can I also control Zigfred via the Philips Hue app?
All wireless bulbs, conventional switches, and blinds can be controlled from the start via the attached Zigfred switch, via the Zigfred app using BLE + Zigbee to the Zigfred switch, or via a Zigbee gateway (and thus third-party apps and web interfaces such as Philips Hue).
Is it possible to control the garage door or the radiators with Zigfred as well?
Unfortunately not; for that, you need the appropriate Zigbee devices from other manufacturers.
Technisches
Is Zigfred compatible with the IKEA TRÅDFRI Gateway?
Zigfred is not yet compatible with the IKEA TRÅDFRI Gateway. This gateway relies solely on Zigbee Touchlink for connection, which we do not (yet) support.
Can I still turn the light on and off if a Zigfred fails?
If a Zigfred fails — which we obviously hope does not happen — you will only lose functionality on that one switch. All other Zigbee devices in the network remain unaffected. Since Zigbee is a decentralized network, the network is unlikely to fail if a single device stops working.
I have questions about the installation. Where can I get help?
For the first steps, you can find quick help on our support page.
Additionally, we have built a knowledge base for technical questions regarding installation and integration. The database is continuously updated, so check back occasionally if questions arise. We may have already published a suitable solution.
Can I install my Zigfred in the bathroom?
Basically, Zigfred is intended only for dry indoor spaces and is not suitable for rooms where humidity exceeds 85% or where moisture can condense. This primarily includes the bathroom (who hasn’t taken such a long, hot shower that the bathroom turned into a steam bath 🙂), and in rare cases other unheated rooms like basements and garages.
The technical specifications can be found here: https://zigfred.ch/specs-zigfred-uno/
Do I need additional hardware to use Zigfred?
No. You can pair Zigfred with Zigbee bulbs or control a conventional bulb without any additional devices. However, we recommend using a smartphone with the Zigfred app to fully utilize your Zigfred’s capabilities. Additional hardware is only needed if you want to control Zigfred via cloud applications, such as voice control. For that, you will need a Zigbee gateway — for example, the Philips Hue Bridge.
Does my Zigfred still work if Wi-Fi, the Internet, or the gateway fails?
Since Zigfred communicates directly with the Zigbee bulbs, it is not affected by a failure. Only cloud applications, such as voice control, may stop working.
Does Zigfred require additional power? If so, how much?
Zigfred requires about 0.14 W to operate. Therefore, its power consumption is negligible compared to the light itself.
What is Zigbee?
Zigbee is an efficient and low-power radio standard, specifically developed for home automation. Zigbee operates using so-called decentralized mesh networks, which allow the Zigbee network to function without a central unit. Therefore, there is no “single point of failure” where the entire system would stop working if the central unit fails. This makes Zigbee, and thus Zigfred, extremely robust against failures and interference.
What is the lifespan of Zigfred?
Under optimal conditions, you should never need to replace your Zigfred. It is designed for many switching cycles, and with the interchangeable modules, you can easily upgrade it in the future.
How long will Zigfred receive new features?
zigfred erhält neue Software-Updates solange notwendig und sinnvoll. Zudem werden in Zukunft Zusatzmodule entwickelt, die die Funktionalität von zigfred erweitern.
I don’t have a smartphone or Internet at the installation site. Can I still use Zigfred?
Yes, this is entirely possible. After installation, Zigfred behaves like a normal light switch or dimmer. For more advanced configuration, you need a smartphone with the Zigfred app.
I want to dim my lamp. Is this possible with Zigfred?
Smart Zigbee bulbs can always be dimmed wirelessly by Zigfred. Conventional dimmable lamps and bulbs up to 120W can be connected to the dimmer outputs of your Zigfred.
I don’t have a neutral wire (blue) in the flush-mount box. Can I still use Zigfred?
Zigfred uses a special power supply that also allows two-wire operation without a neutral wire. However, operation without a neutral wire may have certain limitations and depends on the type of bulb used. For more information, see Technical Specifications.
I currently have multiple conventional switches for the same lamp (two-way wiring). Do I need to replace all switches with Zigfred?
It is enough to replace just one of the switches. This way, you can make an entire series of switches smart with a single Zigfred.
I am concerned about electromagnetic waves. How does Zigfred try to keep emissions as low as possible?
We use Zigbee as the radio protocol, which is characterized by a small bandwidth and as few transmissions as possible. As a result, emissions are significantly lower compared to Wi-Fi and mobile networks.
Does Zigfred meet safety requirements and certifications?
We ensure a high level of product safety. Zigfred must meet a wide range of standards and safety requirements, which are checked by independent certification bodies. Only compliance with these standards allows Zigfred to carry the CE mark and be sold in Switzerland and the EU.
I want to control a power outlet. Is this possible with Zigfred?
Yes, this is entirely possible with Zigfred. Zigfred supports devices up to a load of 250 V~, 10 A.
Is Zigfred certified for Zigbee and Bluetooth?
We aim for certification at launch. The components we use are already certified. By the way, these certifications have nothing to do with the product’s safety.
How many Zigfreds can I operate at the same time?
All of them. Although it sounds incredible, it is possible to operate over 100 Zigbee devices simultaneously on the same network. In practice, switching delays can occur from 30 devices onward.
Is the arrangement of the buttons freely configurable?
Yes. You can simply attach the desired buttons to Zigfred and assign a function to them using the Zigfred app.
How many bulbs can I control with a Zigfred?
You can assign an action to each button on Zigfred. Bulbs can also be grouped and assigned to a button. In principle, an unlimited number of bulbs can be controlled with Zigfred, but in practice, switching delays occur from around 50 bulbs.
Questions?
Further support can be found at Help and Support